All the books I read in 2023 - Fiction Reading List
“Books are a uniquely portable magic.”
― Stephen King
As a busy business owner, self care and relaxation is really important to me. I sometimes find it hard to unwind and switch off by simply watching TV, I often subconsciously reach for my phone or laptop or start tidying something up! For me, reading is the perfect way to take my mind off my never ending to-do list and immerse myself in another world allowing my busy mind to slow down. I also used to listen to a lot of podcasts whilst walking my dog but I tended to favour business-themed shows which sometimes felt like extra ‘work’ so I switched to audio books which feels much more relaxing.
In 2023 I read (or listened to) 30 whole books! I think that is a record for me… I always love to see which books other people have enjoyed so I have listed the titles I devoured over the year.
(P.s you can also see all the books I read in 2022 in this post if you’re interested)
Starting with my top 8 from the year…
The Marriage Portrait, Maggie O'Farrell. Such a great book I didn’t want to put it down. Incredible characters and a great plot twist.
The Alice Network, Kate Quinn. I absolutely love a historical fiction novel (The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah is the most wonderful thing I’ve ever read). This book is an incredible account of a strong female spy network in WW1 inspired by a true story.
Hello Beautiful, Ann Napolitano. So moving with such wonderful, lovable characters. Didn’t want it to end!
Remarkably Bright Creatures, Shelby Van Pelt. I wasn’t sure when I read the blurb of this book (it features a talking octopus!) but I’m SO glad I picked it up. It will stay with me forever.
Yellowface, R. F. Kuang. A brilliant read with themes of diversity, racism, and cultural appropriation.
All My Mothers, Joanna Glen. A really moving book and exploration of women and mother figures - another one I couldn’t put down.
All the Light We Cannot See, Anthony Doerr. Another historical fiction read that had me hooked from the start.
Daisy Jones and The Six, Taylor Jenkins Reid. Absolutely loved this! I actually listened to this as an audiobook which I can really recommend with all the different characters.
The Hand That First Held Mine, Maggie O’Farrell. I found this a little jumbled but with really loveable characters and a good plot.
Girl A, Abigail Dean. A pretty hard-hitting read with themes of abuse. Despite the grittiness and trauma in the story I also got a real sense of hope.
Another Life, Jodie Chapman. Quite a slow book but it’s a lovely story and you’ll love the characters.
This Must Be the Place, Maggie O'Farrell. I didn’t love this as much as the other books I’ve read by the same author, it felt quite long with not a lot happening!
The Goldfinch, Donna Tartt. This. Book. Is. So. LONG!!! But very much worth the investment of time, it doesn’t ever get boring and it’s a truly interesting novel.
Skin Deep, Liz Nugent. A psychological thriller that was a bit far-fetched for me.
Sharp Objects, Gillian Flynn. Having first seen the film starring the incredible Amy Adams I devoured this book which was wonderful despite me knowing the plot!
A Slow Fire Burning, Paula Hawkins. Interesting characters and lots of little plot twists to keep you interested.
Wish You Were Here, Jodi Picoult. I’m a huge fan of Jodi’s writing and this is a great read based in the middle of the COVID pandemic.
Mad Honey, Jodi Picoult & Jennifer Finney Boylan. Loved this dual-authored book about secrets and love.
Cat Lady, Dawn O’Porter. Absolutely loved this. It’s a great balance of funny and heartbreaking. Being a ‘cat lady’ myself I felt this book deeply.
Lessons in Chemistry, Bonnie Garmus. A really unique book based in 60’s America with a strong feminist theme.
Infinite Country, Patricia Engel. A slow burner but I really loved this book centred around a Columbian family affected by deportation.
It Starts with Us, Colleen Hoover. I couldn’t not read this after reading the first book, slightly predictable but un-put-downable nonetheless!
The Familiars, Stacey Halls. A book unlike anything I’ve read before, based on the 17th century witch trials. Loved it!
Half a World Away, Mike Gayle. A super easy read but a little predictable for me.
The School for Good Mothers, Jessamine Chan. This was such an eye-opener. A dystopian novel (think The Handmaid’s Tail) and honestly the potential of the plot becoming a reality is absolutely terrifying
This Could Be Us, Claire McGowan. An easy read with themes of family.
None of This is True, Lisa Jewell. This was easy to read but I didn’t love it as much as Lisa Jewell’s previous novels.
Verity, Colleen Hoover. Read this on holiday, another one that is easy to get immersed in but looking back the plot is quite ridiculous!
A Terrible Kindness, Jo Browning Wroe. A really moving book about the profoundness of death.
Still Life, Sarah Winman. A moving and heartfelt book based at the end of WW2 with the most wonderful characters.
I’d love to know what you read last year - let me know your recommendations in the comments section!
Love, Tamsin x
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You can also see all the books I read in 2022 in this post if you’re interested…
